PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF BUTYROSPERMUM PARADOZUM OF METHANOL STEM BARK EXTRACT USING IN CASTRO OIL-INDUCED DIARRHEA
Abstract
This study investigated the phytochemical constituents and antidiarrheal activity of the
methanolic stem bark extract of Butyrospermum paradozum (Shea tree). Phytochemical
screening showed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, cardiac
glycosides, cardenolides, and carbohydrates, while alkaloids were absent. The antidiarrheal
activity was evaluated using castor oil–induced diarrhea and enteropooling models in albino
rats. The extract produced a clear dose-dependent reduction in stool output, with 200, 400,
and 800 mg/kg producing 24.5%, 52.8%, and 59.4% protection respectively. It also
significantly reduced intraluminal fluid accumulation in the enteropooling test. Although the
standard drug atropine showed stronger activity, the extract demonstrated marked
antimotility and antisecretory effects. These results support the traditional use of
Butyrospermum paradozum in managing diarrhea and indicate that its bioactive constituents
contribute to its therapeutic potential. Further studies are recommended to isolate active
compounds and evaluate safety profiles.
Full-Text Access Notice
In accordance with the NERD Policy on promoting peer-reviewed publication, public access to the full text of a project, thesis or dissertation is restricted for three years, allowing the author and supervisors sufficient time to pursue peer-reviewed publication.
During this period, researchers with legitimate academic or research purposes may request authorisation directly from the author to enable NERD to release the indexed full texts of the work using the form below.